The United States has sent a comprehensive questionnaire to NATO allies as part of its effort to shift the alliance’s focus under the new ‘NATO 3.0’ strategy, which aims to make Europe and Canada take on greater responsibility for regional defense.

In a move to redefine the NATO alliance, the United States has distributed a detailed questionnaire among its NATO allies to gather input on its proposed ‘NATO 3.0’ strategy. The initiative, announced by U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Brussels, seeks to reorient the alliance towards a model where European members and Canada assume greater responsibility for their conventional defense. The U.S. plans to maintain its nuclear umbrella but intends to limit its conventional military contributions to more specialized roles.

This shift, Colby explained, aligns with Washington’s intent to focus its military resources on defending the U.S. homeland, securing the western hemisphere, and countering threats in the Indo-Pacific region. While specific questions from the survey were not disclosed, sources indicate it addresses issues such as European nations’ willingness to increase leadership roles within NATO, surging defense budgets, and sensitive topics like arms procurement policies and restrictions on U.S. forces stationed in Europe. Notably, the ongoing Iran conflict has spotlighted these restrictions, with some nations limiting U.S. military activities on their soil.

Concerns are growing in Europe over potential U.S. troop withdrawals from countries deemed less supportive of President Donald Trump’s policies. However, Secretary General Rutte sought to frame the consultation process positively, saying it reflects a vision for a stronger Europe and Canada within NATO. He highlighted progress made in European defense spending, which saw an increase of $139 billion in 2025, as well as advancements in military capabilities and leadership roles. Colby echoed these sentiments, commending investment efforts by allies like Germany while emphasizing the need for continued collaboration to realize the ‘NATO 3.0’ vision.